Extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising means for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a means for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. Said means for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/544,014, filedJul. 29, 2005, which is a continuation of International applicationPCT/EP04/000498, filed Jan. 22, 2004, the entire contents of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the preparation of beverages using theprinciple of extracting a substance contained in a refill, known as a“capsule”, by passing a flow of water through it under pressure. Theinvention relates more specifically to an extraction module for amachine for preparing beverages, such as a coffee machine.

BACKGROUND

It is prior art to prepare beverages such as coffee, tea or hotchocolate from capsules containing a predetermined serving of asubstance to be extracted. The capsule format has the advantage offacilitating the operations of preparing the drink, ensuring cleanpreparation without leaving visible traces of the substance, andcontrolling the reproducibility and quality of the prepared product.

The principle of extracting from a capsule generally consists in (i)enclosing the capsule in a pressure-resistant chamber, (ii) piercing oneof the faces of the capsule, (iii) introducing a quantity of hot waterinto the capsule to create a closed pressurized environment to producethe liquid coffee or other extract, (iv) releasing the liquid extractthrough the opposite face of the capsule, and (v) collecting the extractin a container of suitable capacity, such as a cup.

The problem of loading the capsule into the extraction system andremoving it therefrom has already been the subject of a number of patentpublications.

Patent application EP 1 090 574 A1 relates to an extraction devicecomprising a pair of jaws with a fixed jaw part and a movable jaw part,the latter being articulated to and moved over the fixed part, and aclosing lever mechanism with a plurality of arms is associated therewithto close the movable part over the fixed part.

In published document WO 01/30218 A1, the principle is similar but amechanism for ejecting the capsule is additionally provided, associatedwith a pulling arm of the movable jaw so as to detach the capsule fromthe bottom of the extraction chamber when the jaw is reopened.

Based on these principles, it is obvious that a closure device with twoparts, one fixed and one movable, optionally associated with an ejector,is known. However, these devices are essentially manual closure devicesand are not very suitable for automating the closure function. It shouldalso be noted that because of the movement of the axes of articulation,such systems must be designed and assembled with precision so as toavoid clearances and problems in fitting the parts together.

Patent application WO 95/17121 relates to a device comprising anassembly formed of a fixed piston and a movable cylindrical body, theassembly being placed facing a boiler. Between the boiler, on the onehand, and the fixed piston and cylindrical body, on the other hand, is azone containing the means for receiving, holding in position andejecting the packages. The holding means and the reception means aredifferent means. The former are not entirely retractable and are placeddirectly between the boiler and the cylindrical body to hold the sideedges of the package, and the latter are retractable and placed on oneside of the cylindrical body to simply stop the package in opposition tothe force of gravity. Such a device is complex since it uses variousparts to simultaneously hold and correctly centre the capsule (orpackage) in position in the extraction chamber. This involves severalseparate mechanisms for moving the means in order to close theextraction system. The offset position of the holding means can alsogive rise to problems of jamming or premature wear. Furthermore, such adevice is also relatively bulky because of the peripheral position ofthe holding means and of the boiler.

Patent application WO 98/47418 relates to a method for converting anespresso machine operating in vertical extraction with pre-measuredtablets used in a horizontal plane into an espresso machine operating inhorizontal extraction with pre-measured tablets which can be used in avertical plane. The machine has reception and ejection means consistingof a single retractable component which can be moved underneath theextraction member using an electromechanical maneuvering means that isseparate from the means for actuating the extraction member.

Patent application WO 00/38558 relates to an extraction chamber for anautomatic machine composed of two movable parts in a horizontal plane,one of which is supplied with hot water, the other having a filter, thetwo parts being mounted so as to pivot vertically one opposite the otheralong their transverse axis.

Patent application WO 00/44868 relates to an extraction devicecomprising an extraction chamber composed of two parts that can movehorizontally so that they can be moved towards or away from each other,the parts being mounted on an eccentric shaft that can transmit to thempivoting movements in opposite directions, the device comprising a pivotlink braked between each eccentric shaft and each moving part so as tocombine a horizontal movement and a pivoting movement for linkingtogether the steps of opening and closing the extraction chamber.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to propose an extraction devicethat facilitates the insertion, correct positioning and ejection of acapsule whilst overcoming the drawbacks of the devices of the prior art.

In this regard, the invention relates to a module for extraction, underpressure, for the preparation of a beverage from a capsule containing asubstance to be extracted, comprising:

extraction means comprising a first extraction sub-assembly and a secondextraction sub-assembly that can move in closure against the firstsub-assembly so as to form, in the closed position, an extractionchamber enclosing the capsule in a closure plane, and so as, in the openposition, to maintain a sufficient space between the two sub-assembliesto allow the capsule to be inserted between the two sub-assemblies,

a means for holding and positioning the capsule between the twosub-assemblies, partially closing the opening space to hold the capsulebetween the two sub-assemblies; characterized in that the holding andpositioning means can be moved coaxially to the linear displacement ofthe movable extraction sub-assembly and can be pushed back linearly bythe second, movable sub-assembly into a retracted position, allowing thetwo sub-assemblies to close around the capsule.

Thus, unlike known prior-art devices, alignment along one and the samedisplacement axis increases the reliability of the device by preventingjamming and also reduces the overall size of the device. The firstsub-assembly may comprise a base on which the holding and positioningmeans may be mounted and guided slidingly so as to move along this base.

Preferably, the holding and positioning means is in the form of a singlecomponent able to centre the capsule in the opening space along severalaxes in the closure plane.

Thus, the functions of holding and positioning along several directionalaxes are performed by a single component, making the device simpler,more reliable and more compact.

The capsule can be held and centred correctly along several directionsin the closure plane by means of, for example, a holding and positioningmeans having an open cylindrical portion for holding and centering thecapsule and an annular guiding portion mounted around the base of theextraction sub-assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, capsule ejection means are provided forejecting the capsule out of the module. As the capsule is fairly wet andpressed firmly against the surfaces of the extraction means owing to theeffect of pressure, the ejection means detach the capsule after eachextraction. The ejection means also help expel the capsule even when themodule is only slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal.

Preferably, the ejection means for ejecting the capsule are operated,during opening, by the linear return action of the second, movablesub-assembly as it disengages from the first extraction sub-assembly.This configuration also helps simplify the system.

More specifically, the holding and positioning means is locked, in theretracted position, when the extraction sub-assemblies are closed and isunlocked, in the holding position, only after the capsule has beenejected by the ejection means. The unlocking of the holding andpositioning means in the retracted position can be achieved directly bythe linear return action of the movable extraction sub-assembly as itdisengages. The holding and positioning means can then return to theholding position under the return effect of an elastic means, such asone or more return springs or any other equivalent means.

By linking the actuation of unlocking of the holding and positioningmeans to the ejection of the capsule, reliable sequential and controlledautomatic functioning is achieved, ensuring that the capsule is ejectedwhen there is a sufficient space between the extraction sub-assembliesand before the holding and positioning means returns to the position forholding a fresh capsule.

The ejection means may be activated in various ways. In a preferredexample, the ejection means are elastically tensioned when the twoextraction sub-assemblies are closed and freed from their elastictension to cause ejection when the two sub-assemblies are reopened. Theadvantage of such an arrangement is that it links ejection to theopening of the extraction sub-assemblies without requiring the use of aseparate mechanism for causing ejection or for electrically orelectronically commanding opening. For example, the ejection means canconsist of a lever in the form of a ring, articulated to the fixedextraction sub-assembly. The lever can be tensioned through contact withat least one leaf spring or any other equivalent means borne by theholding and positioning means.

The movable extraction sub-assembly preferably has linear actuationmeans, preferably of the piston type, which can be activated in closureby hydraulic or electric means.

In a preferred embodiment, the first extraction sub-assembly is fixed.It comprises a capsule reception zone equipped with relief elements foropening the capsule. The second, movable sub-assembly comprises acomplementary capsule reception zone and means for supplying water tothe capsule.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the module according to theinvention in a capsule insertion configuration;

FIG. 2 is a view in section on I-I of FIG. 1 in the same configurationwith a capsule held in place;

FIG. 3 is a view in section on II-II of FIG. 2 in an inclined capsuleinsertion configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the module according to theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a view in section on I-I of FIG. 1 but in the configuration inwhich the module is closed around a capsule;

FIG. 6 is a view in section on II-II of FIG. 1 but in a capsule ejectionconfiguration;

FIG. 7 is a detail view of the holding and positioning means of themodule of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the extraction module 1 comprisesextraction means for receiving a capsule 12 and extracting a liquidextract from it by passing water under pressure through the capsule. Theextraction means have a first sub-assembly 10, which is preferablyfixed, and a second sub-assembly 11, which is preferably movable andwhich cooperates in closure with the sub-assembly 10. The sub-assemblies10, 11 each have a reception zone, 2 and 5 respectively, so as each toreceive one face of the capsule when closed. The reception zone of thefirst sub-assembly 10 has capsule opening elements 22, generally reliefelements such as a plurality of pyramidal regions forming part of apressure distribution plate 21.

The fixed sub-assembly 10 has a base or trunk 6 through which a flowchannel 60 passes to allow the liquid extract to flow out of theextraction chamber. The base 6 is fastened to a main body 8, at thesides for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The body 8 and the base 6delimit an internal space 14 with an insertion side comprising a slot 15and an ejection side comprising an exit aperture 16 for the capsule.

The body also comprises a central bore 80 for the passage of a piston 20forming part of the movable extraction sub-assembly. The piston ismounted through the bore 80 of the body and is connected integrally withan extraction spray device 5 comprising a reception zone with piercingelements 50 for opening the capsule. The piston 20 and the spray device5 are assembled coaxially as a single piece and have a water intakechannel 51 arranged so as to dispense water through the spray device 5.

The piston is mounted elastically through the body against a compressionspring 150 placed between a ring 140 fixed to the end of the piston anda housing in the body. Sealing between the piston and the inside of thebody is achieved using seals 30, 160 placed on either side of an annularbaffle formed between the piston and the inside of the body. Betweenthem, the two seals 30, 160 thus delimit a pressure chamber 81 that canexpand under the effect of a hydraulic fluid entering the chamber,supplied through a fluid intake 82 located at the top of the body (FIG.3).

It will therefore be understood that the movable sub-assemblyessentially composed of the piston 20 and the spray device 5 is held inthe position in which the extraction chamber is open, i.e. distancedfrom the reception zone of the fixed sub-assembly, owing to thecompression exerted by the spring 150 that acts between the ring 140 ofthe piston and the body 8. In this way, by passing hydraulic fluid intothe pressure chamber 81, the spring is compressed so as to push thepiston and spray device as a single piece in the closure direction F1.

In the open configuration of FIGS. 1 to 3, a sufficient space 14 ismaintained between the two opposite reception zones 2, 5 to allow acapsule 12 to be inserted through the slot 15. The capsule can beinserted through the slot 15 manually, by the user himself, or bysemi-automatic or automatic loading means which are not described in thepresent application.

According to the invention, a holding and positioning component 9 isprovided between the movable sub-assembly 11 and the fixed sub-assembly10 to hold the capsule in place in the closure plane P of the module.The holding and positioning component 9 is arranged so as to immobilizethe capsule along several directional axes by means of a partially openpartially cylindrical portion 90, more particularly visible in FIG. 7.The component also has an annular guiding portion 91 mounted around thebase 6 of the fixed extraction sub-assembly. The guiding portion 91,together with an ejection means 7, preferably in the shape of an annulus(described in detail later on in the present description), serves as aholding shoulder for holding the edges of the capsule. As shown in FIG.3, when inserted, the edges of the capsule are also held by the upperrim of the base 6 on which sealing is achieved when the spray devicedescends. On each side of the component, the component is extended alongthe body 8 by two fingers 93, 94 which engage in guiding grooves 83, 84of the body. These fingers are connected to the upper end of the groovesby elastic return springs 85 keeping, when the module is open, theholding and positioning component 9 in a holding position, i.e. in aposition in which the cylindrical portion 90 partially closes off thespace 14, in particular the exit aperture 16 and the edges in adirection perpendicular to the direction of said aperture.

The cylindrical portion 90 of the component is positioned so as topartially surround the zone 2 for receiving the capsule. Preferably, theportion 90 comes close to the periphery of the reception zone and is ofa shape that geometrically complements the edges 120 of the capsule,preferably extending over a circumference of between 100 and 180degrees, so as to hold the capsule along several directional axes andensure the capsule is centred. The portion closes off part of the space14, preferably, so as to be centred on the side opposite the slot 15.The component 9 is thus mounted coaxially around the base 6, along anaxis I, with respect to the linear displacement of the means foractuating the movable sub-assembly, i.e. the piston 20 and the spraydevice 5.

The component 9 can be moved along a cylindrical portion 61 of the basebetween a holding position and a retracted position allowing theextraction sub-assemblies to be closed around the capsule. In theconfiguration of FIGS. 1 and 2, the component 9 is in the position forholding and positioning the capsule under the action of the returnsprings 85 which keep the component at the top of the cylindricalportion 61 of the base.

The extraction module also has a capsule ejection mechanism 7 forhelping to detach the capsule after extraction and eject it out of themodule. The capsule ejection function should in fact work reliably foran unlimited number of extraction cycles without it being necessary tomanually remove a capsule which has become wedged or stuck in thesystem. The ejection mechanism is provided to raise the capsule anddetach it from the surface of the reception zone 2. During extraction,the capsule is subjected to considerable internal pressure owing to thebuild-up of water in the capsule enclosure. The capsule is opened bytearing the material in contact with the relief elements of the pressuredistribution plate. Thus, following extraction, the surface of thecapsule is “stamped” with the reliefs of the pressure distribution plateand force must be applied from the reception zone surface outwards todetach the capsule and eject it.

The ejection mechanism is designed to be elastically tensioned when thetwo extraction sub-assemblies are closed and to be free of this tensionso as to cause ejection when the two sub-assemblies are reopened. Forthis purpose, the ejection mechanism 7 consists of a lever comprising aring portion 71 and an end 72 articulated to an articulation pin 62 onthe base 6 of the fixed extraction sub-assembly. The diameter of thering portion of the lever is substantially larger than the receptionzone 2 to allow the extraction module to close, but this diameter issmaller than the diameter of the edges of the capsule so as to be ableto engage with the edges and detach the capsule. Preferably, the lever70 is housed, in the rest position, in a recess 95 formed in the holdingand positioning component 9. To trigger the lever into the ejectionposition, the holding and positioning component has elastic elements 92,in the form of leaves fixed to the rim of the component 9, whichcooperate with the end 72 of the lever. The free parts of the elasticelements 92 extend above the recess 95 so as to be able to come intocontact with the end of the lever, which has the effect of raising thering portion during ejection.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a mechanism is provided for locking theholding and positioning component 9 in the retracted position, in orderto keep the component 9 retracted during ejection of the capsule by theejection means. The locking mechanism has two abutment surfaces 96, 97positioned at the end of the fingers 93, 94 of the component. Thesurfaces 96, 97 cooperate in locking with two studs 86, 87 housed in theguiding grooves 83, 84 of the body when the component 9 is lowered alongthe base of the fixed extraction sub-assembly.

Finally, a mechanism is also provided for unlocking the holding andpositioning component 9, allowing the latter to return to its initialholding and positioning position of FIGS. 1 and 2. This mechanismcomprises studs 98, 99 inside the fingers of the component 9, designedto be activated by hooks 220, 221 positioned on the periphery of thepiston when the piston rises.

The principle of operation of the extraction module will now beexplained to facilitate understanding of the steps of insertion,closure, opening and ejection of the capsule.

FIG. 3 shows the module with the extraction sub-assemblies in the openposition. The module is preferably inclined with respect to thehorizontal so as to facilitate insertion of the capsule and ejectionthereof by taking advantage of the force of gravity. The inclination mayvary between 5 and 90 degrees, preferably between 20 and 80 degrees.Under the effect of the compression spring 150, the piston is held inthe retracted position to create a sufficient space 14. The holding andcentering component 9 is engaged in the position for holding andpositioning a capsule by virtue of the return springs 85. A capsule maytherefore be inserted through the slot 15. When a capsule is inserted,the edges 120 of the capsule come into abutment against the portion ofcomplementary shape 90 of the component, thus centering the capsule inthe middle of the extraction zone. The capsule therefore rests freely onthe reception zone 2 against the pressure distribution plate 21.

FIG. 5 shows the step of closing the module. The piston 20 is activatedby the introduction of a hydraulic fluid into the pressure chamber 81.The piston drives the spray device 5 so that it closes against thecapsule in the direction F1. As the piston descends, the holding andpositioning component 9 is pushed back by the lower edges of the pistonuntil the component is in a retracted position at the bottom of the base6. At the end of closure, the moving sub-assembly tensions the ejectionmechanism 7. Specifically, the seal 52 of the spray device holds thelever 70 in the folded position whilst the elastic elements of thecomponent 9 are subjected to elastic bending owing to the relativemovement of the component 9 with respect to the end 72 of the lever.When the component 9 descends, the end, which is fixed, forces themoving leaves 92 to bend, thus tensioning the ejection mechanism.

When the module is closed, the component 9 is then automatically lockedin the retracted position by the locking mechanism. More precisely, theabutment surfaces 96, 97 of the fingers of the component 9 thencooperate against the abutment surfaces 86, 87 of the body, thusimmobilizing and locking the component 9.

The extraction operation, which consists in extracting the liquidextract under hot water pressure, is known per se and does not need tobe explained in the present application.

FIG. 6 shows the reopening and ejection step. Reopening is commanded bythe piston 20 and the spray device 5 rising in the direction F2. Thecomponent 9 is still locked by the above-described locking mechanism,whilst the rise of the piston gradually frees the ejection mechanism 7by releasing the tension created in the leaves during closure. The leverof the ejection mechanism then pivots about the articulation pin 62,thus detaching the capsule and inclining it further with respect to thevertical on the side of the exit aperture 16. The capsule can then fallunder gravity into a container for empty capsules (not shown). Theaction of the ejection mechanism is concomitant with the rise of thepiston. At the end of travel of the piston, the component 9 is thenfreed by the hooks 220, 221 of the piston, which act on the studs 98,99, moving the fingers 93, 94 away and disengaging the abutmentsurfaces. The component 9 is then returned to the holding andpositioning position by the return springs 84, 85.

The invention relates to an extraction module that can be installed in abeverage dispenser or machine using any type of pre-measured capsule. Adispenser or machine may contain one or more modules, depending on therequired capacity. The module of the invention offersloading/extraction/ejection cycles that are more reliable and fasterthan those commonly available.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

1. An extraction module for extraction, under pressure, for thepreparation of a beverage from a capsule containing a substance to beextracted, the extraction module comprising: extraction means comprisinga first extraction sub-assembly comprising a base and a secondextraction sub-assembly that can move against the first sub-assembly soas to form, in a closed position, an extraction chamber enclosing thecapsule in a closure plane, and so as, in an open position, to maintainan opening space between the two sub-assemblies to allow the capsule tobe inserted between the two sub-assemblies, a means for holding andpositioning the capsule, the holding and positioning means capable ofbeing pushed back linearly by the second movable sub-assembly, mountedcoaxially relative to the second movable sub-assembly, displaceablelinearly along the same axis as the second movable sub-assembly, andconfigured between the two sub-assemblies when the capsule is insertedso as to partially close the opening space to hold the capsule betweenthe two sub-assemblies even when the module is in an inclined position;the holding and positioning means mounted around the base of the firstsub-assembly so as to be capable of being pushed back into a retractedposition for allowing the two sub-assemblies to close around thecapsule, the holding and positioning means comprising a single componentable to hold the capsule in a centered position in the opening spacealong several axis in the closure plane; and capsule ejection means forejecting the capsule out of the module, wherein the holding andpositioning means is locked, in the retracted position, when theextraction sub-assemblies are closed and is unlocked, in the holdingposition, only after the capsule has been ejected by the ejection means.2. The extraction module according to claim 1, wherein the holding andpositioning means has an open cylindrical portion for holding andcentering the capsule and an annular guiding portion mounted around thebase of the extraction sub-assembly.
 3. The extraction module accordingto claim 1, wherein the ejection means for ejecting the capsule areoperated, during opening, by the linear return action of the second,movable sub-assembly as it disengages from the first extractionsub-assembly.
 4. The extraction module according to claim 1, wherein theunlocking of the holding and positioning means in the retracted positionis achieved directly by the linear return action of the movableextraction sub-assembly as it disengages.
 5. The extraction moduleaccording to claim 4, wherein the holding and positioning means isunlocked at the end of linear return travel of the second extractionsub-assembly.
 6. The extraction module according to claim 1, wherein theejection means are configured so as to eject the capsule out of themodule in a direction other than the direction of insertion.
 7. Theextraction module according to claim 1, wherein the ejection means areelastically tensioned when the two extraction sub-assemblies are closedand freed from their elastic tension to cause ejection when the twosub-assemblies are reopened.
 8. The extraction module according to claim1, wherein the movable extraction sub-assembly has a linear actuationmeans of the piston type, which can be activated in closure by hydraulicor electric means.
 9. The extraction module according to claim 1,wherein the first extraction sub-assembly is fixed.
 10. The extractionmodule according to claim 6, wherein the ejection means are configuredso as to eject the capsule out of the module in an opposite direction tothat of the insertion.
 11. An extraction module for the preparation of abeverage from a capsule, the extraction module comprising: a firstextraction sub-assembly and a second extraction sub-assembly that canmove against the first sub-assembly so as to form, in a closed position,an extraction chamber for enclosing the capsule in a closure plane and,in an open position, maintain an opening space between the twosub-assemblies to allow the capsule to be inserted between the twosub-assemblies, an assembly for holding and positioning the capsulebetween the two sub-assemblies, the assembly comprising a singlecomponent able to hold the capsule in a centered position in the openingspace along several axis in the closure plane and being mountedcoaxially relative to the second, movable sub-assembly, displaceablelinearly along the same axis as the second, movable sub-assembly, andcapable of being pushed back by the second, movable sub-assembly into aretracted position, allowing the two sub-assemblies to close around thecapsule, and a capsule ejection mechanism for ejecting the capsule outof the module, wherein the holding and positioning assembly is locked,in the retracted position, when the extraction sub-assemblies are closedand is unlocked, in the holding position, only after the capsule hasbeen ejected by the ejection mechanism.